The first F-16 Block 72 fighter built for Morocco’s Royal Air Force has completed its maiden flight, Lockheed Martin said Tuesday, marking a key milestone in the aircraft’s flight-testing program ahead of its delivery.
The U.S. defense contractor said the F-16 Block 72 is the latest version of the Fighting Falcon, featuring modernized avionics, advanced sensors, improved mission systems and enhanced safety and reliability features.
Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, said the first flight represented meaningful progress in Morocco’s F-16 Block 72 program and a step toward strengthening the country’s future air capabilities.
Lockheed Martin said its partnership with Morocco dates back more than 50 years, beginning with the delivery of the first C-130H aircraft in 1974. Morocco currently operates F-16s, C-130s, advanced radar systems and Black Hawk helicopters, while it is also set to receive HIMARS systems.
The company also highlighted its cooperation with Moroccan industry through Maintenance Aero Maroc. A planned maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Benslimane, covering more than 8,000 square meters, is designed to support heavy maintenance and modernization of C-130 Hercules aircraft, with plans to expand its activities to other platforms, including the F-16.
Lockheed Martin said the investment supports Morocco’s ambition to develop into a regional hub for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.
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